Prediction: 1-0
Tip: Result - Wolves | Goals Under 2.5
Key Points:
1. Wolves have the best defensive record outside of the Premier League top 3
2. Both sides are ranked in the Premier League bottom five for goals scored
3. Wolves have won three of the last four meetings between these two sides
Wolves have endured a bit of a rough patch lately and come into this clash on the back of three straight defeats but we think they'll rediscover their form against a poor Watford side staring down the barrel of relegation.
While many are describing Wolves' European bid being dead and buried and their once strong defence as crumbling, we expect Watford to be the perfect opponent to help them break that rotten cycle.
Roy Hodgson's appointment hasn't quite had the impact that Watford fans would have hoped for. The Hornets have failed to score in five of their last eight matches, picking up just five points during that time. They do have some exciting attacking players but they don't hit the back of the net enough and we think they'll struggle to do so tonight.
Good defenders don't become bad defenders over night. Bruno Lage has developed a very resolute and well organised side during his first season in charge at Molineux. Despite some recent hiccups, Wolves still possess the best defensive record in the league outside of the top three, and with their manager looking for a response, we think they'll be stronger than ever at the back.
Watford may cause them problems but they also squander a lot of chances, as do Wolves. Both sides have a lot of creative talent yet both fall inside the Premier League bottom five for goals scored. For that reason, a low scoring result seems inevitable.
We think the hosts will just about edge a close contest. The returning Raul Jimenez could be the man to get that crucial goal.
The head-to-head is certainly in the hosts' favour with Wolves having won three of the last four meetings between these two sides, keeping two clean sheets in the process.
Our official prediction is a Wolves win with total goals under 2.5 A correct scoreline prediction of 1-0 seems viable, with Jimenez likely to be the man to get that crucial only goal to get Bruno Lage's men and their European dreams back on track.
Premier League